From the impenetrable Superman to the world’s greatest detective Batman; DC Comics has some of the most recognized and beloved characters in the history of the medium.
In part three of our best and worst comic book video games, which began with a look at Marvel Comics’ best and worst video games, we examine the best that DC Comics has to offer..
Batman: Arkham franchise (PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, Wii U, PS Vita, 3DS, PC)
The Batman Arkham franchise has single-handedly turned comic book video games around. For the first time players were able to feel like they were the Dark Knight thanks to a revolutionary combat system that has seen its influence in dozens of games since its original release. Superb level design and voice work also shone as the Batman Arkham franchise set the standard for future comic book video games.
Injustice: Gods Among Us (PS3, PS4, PS Vita Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, PC)
Developed by the award-winning NetherRealm Studios. Injustice: Gods Among Us is a fighting game that pits the greatest of DC comics heroes and villains against each other. Injustice told a great story that has now become an award-winning comic book produced by DC comics. The game features a deep combat system with interactive environments, and brutal special attacks. With its vast lineup of characters and well balanced combat and characters its no wonder Injustice: Gods Among Us is considered one of the best fighting games to date.
DC Universe Online (PS3, PS4, PC)
Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games don’t usually work well on consoles but DC Universe Online set out to change that. Leaving behind the traditional turn-based combat of other titles, DC Universe Online changed things up with an in-depth, action-focused combat system. Allowing you to team up with your favorite heroes or villains, like Batman and Wonder Women, was a joy. The Legends PVP even allowed you to play as these legendary characters. The game also features one of the best character creators out there and even allows you to keep the look of every armor you find without having to keep the item. With over fifteen different DLC packs released up to date, it’s no wonder DC Universe continues to strive.
Lego Batman franchise (Everything)
There have been a lot of Lego video games, A LOT. What makes the Batman games stand out? Well, for starters it was the first Lego title to incorporate fully-voiced characters. This allowed the developers the tell a better and more fleshed-out story. It was also the first franchise that Lego produced that wasn’t already based on an existing movie or show. The Lego Batman titles have a large selection of DC heroes and villains to play as. The second title allowed us to explore the entirety of Gotham City, while the third instalment sent us to space to explore other worlds, opening the franchise up for more characters and variety in gameplay mechanics.
The Death and Return of Superman (SNES, Sega Genesis, Mega Drive)
Good Superman games are almost impossible to find. One of the exceptions came in 1994 with The Death and Return of Superman. Based on the Death of Superman comic book, this beat ’em up title featured five different playable characters as they progressed through the story of Superman’s death at the hands of Doomsday and eventual resurrection of Superman. One of the unique aspects of this beat ’em up was giving the player the ability to fly during certain missions in the game and attack foes in midair combat.
